Initiatives/ Schemes
Udangudi Thermal Power Station
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- Context: The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu inaugurated a new thermal power station established at Udangudi in the Thoothukudi district, built at a cost of ₹13,077 crore.
- This power station comprises two units, each with a capacity of 660 megawatts.
- It is a high-efficiency thermal power station constructed using supercritical technology.
- To facilitate the transport of coal to the power station, a jetty has been constructed in the open sea, located 9 kilometers offshore.
- Since a reduced quantity of coal is required to generate one unit of electricity, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced by 25–30%.
- Through this project, the state’s power generation capacity will increase, thereby reducing the need to procure electricity from the open market.
TNSCST – ICMR Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
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- Context: The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology (TNSCST) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen initiatives related to medical research and development projects within academia and the bio-industry, as well as to enhance Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection.
- This agreement was established with the specific objective of reinforcing medical research, development, and the protection of Intellectual Property.
- It will facilitate the protection of biomedical innovations emerging from academic institutions and help promote technology transfer.
- Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading state in India in terms of the highest number of patent applications filed.
- This agreement was signed in New Delhi under the guidance of NITI Aayog.
- The Tamil Nadu State Council for Science and Technology was established by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1984 as an autonomous institution.
Indian Council of Medical Research
- Established in 1911, it is one of the oldest medical research institutions in the world.
- It receives funding through the Department of Health Research, which functions under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
- The ICMR plays a pivotal role in guiding, coordinating, and promoting biomedical research across India.
Current Facts
- Tamil Nadu Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) 2021-26 is 35 per 1 lakh live births.
Tamil Virtual Academy- Context: The Minister for Information Technology and Digital Services inaugurated three new webpages.
- On behalf of the Tamil Virtual Academy, the following webpages have been created: “Tamizhil Peyargal”, “Naatudamai Noozhgal” and “Tamil Nadu Panpaatu Min Nilavarai Yaedu”
- These webpages have been hosted on the official website of the Tamil Virtual Academy.
- The “Tamizhil Peyargal” page features a collection of Tamil names suitable for children, along with their corresponding meanings and explanations.
- The “Naatudamai Noozhgal” page contains the biographies and literary works of authors whose works were nationalized during the period from 1963 to 2025.
- The “Tamil Nadu Panpaatu Min Nilavarai Yaedu” page is being populated with information regarding temples, archaeological sites, and historical monuments.
- In the initial phase, information pertaining to the districts of Madurai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Sivaganga, and Theni has been added.
About Tamil Virtual Academy
- It was originally established as the “Tamil Virtual University” under the Tamil Nadu Co-operative Societies Act.
- The “Tamil Virtual University” was subsequently renamed as the “Tamil Virtual Academy” on July 16, 2010.
- Tamil Nadu Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) 2021-26 is 35 per 1 lakh live births.
